In December drinking horchata…

I love to make things from scratch and do so whenever possible, but somehow found myself with a half-full container of store-bought horchata. “Somehow” is kind of a strong word though as I actually purchased said container.

You see, Jill and I were going to watch Love Actually a few nights ago, and I am accustomed to drinking things that taste like Christmas while doing so. Usually this is a seasonal beer like Great Lakes Christmas Ale (when in Cleves) or Shiner Cheer, but neither of us were quite ready for alcohol after Monday night’s Flip Cup shenanigans.

I went to get some apple cider from the store, but could only find a $5 gallon container of it, which was way too much cider and monies. While in the hot drinks aisle, I spotted “Klass” horchata. I don’t remember when I first heard of the sweet, cinnamony rice and milk drink, but had definitely never tried it before. And for $1.50? Yes, sir!

Horchata can be served cold or hot, but when we tried it, I preferred the latter. I think the stuff would be awesome in oatmeal, but of course my first adventure with it involves chocolate. Traditionally, Mexican hot chocolate is cinnamon-spiced, so I figured horchata as the base for ordinary hot chocolate would be a nice spin.

This really is me just documenting a simple experiment that turned out tasty. :P

Horchata Hot Chocolate (or Hot Horchocolata?)

I used semi-sweet chips since that is what I had on hand, but would recommend at least bittersweet, mayyybe even unsweetened chocolate. This is good, but a little too sweet for my taste. I drink coffee sans sugar to give you an idea of my sweetness threshold. ;)

In a double boiler (metal bowl over a simmering water-filled saucepan), melt the chocolate chips over low heat while stirring. Pour in the horchata and whisk until incorporated. When heated through, pour in a mug.

I stirred mine with a cinnamon stick because why not??

I’m thinking most stores in states that don’t border Mexico probably don’t carry horchata, but there are plenty of recipes online if you’re curious! I’m sure they put the store-bought stuff in the dust.

p.s. The title of this post is from Vampire Weekend. (ooo, free download! Merry Christmas!)

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12 thoughts on “In December drinking horchata…”

I’ve never even heard of Horchata before! I absolutely LOVE homemade hot chocolate though (esp. with vanilla almond milk). Looks like a successful experiment :)

And Love Actually is my FAVORITE modern Christmas movie. It always puts me in the mood for the season. We just borrowed it from my sister today, so we’re planning on watching it either tonight or tomorrow!

Kylie – yeah, I’m not sure that many people have heard of it. It’s good, though! Love Actually is also my favorite Christmas movie that I have to watch every year. One of my roommates finally bought it for me a few years ago!

Bailey – I don’t think I’ve seen Holiday, but love that song! (just looked up the soundtrack) It’s also in Garden State. Imogen Heap is awesome.

Jill – I found what that was and agree! Still have quite a bit of horchata…

Beth – It did the job!

Victoria – This was the first time I’ve noticed it, so maybe you just missed it. Another blogger (justJENN) made horchata cupcakes recently, and she’s in LA…which isn’t New Mexico, obviously. :P

Huh, this sounds like an interesting flavor…maybe the type of thing I’d bring to a party for everybody to try (and so I’m not left with 3/4 of a gallon of horchata sitting in my fridge for the next month :D).

Want a great holiday movie? Go watch the oldie but goodie “White Christmas”. It’s been a favorite of mine for forever and to this day still makes my eyes water at the end (I’m a bit of a softie sometimes). They just don’t make movies like that anymore…

Mary – Yes! Better for a party than just two people. ;) And I so haven’t seen White Christmas! Imagine me shaking my fist because it isn’t streaming on Netflix. I’ve forgotten how to watch movies otherwise.